Trichorhina tomentosa

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Dwarf white isopod
Scientific classification
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T. tomentosa
Binomial name
Trichorhina tomentosa
(Budde-Lund, 1893) [1]
Synonyms[2]
  • Alloniscus tomentosus
  • Bathytropa thermophila
  • Trichorhina monocellata
  • Trichorhina thermophila
  • Trichorhina vannamei

Trichorhina tomentosa, known informally as the dwarf white isopod, is a species of woodlouse in the family Platyarthridae. It is a parthenogenetic species, and only female individuals are known. Native to tropical regions throughout the Americas, dwarf white isopods have been introduced to other tropical regions worldwide.[3]

Description[edit]

Dwarf white isopods can grow to around 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) in length.[4][better source needed] They are uniformly white in color, and like other members in its family, cannot roll into a ball. Like many other woodlice, dwarf white isopods prefer moist soil, feeding on detritus. Dwarf white isopods give birth asexually.[5]

Relationship with humans[edit]

As clean-up crews[edit]

Due to their prolific nature, ease of care, and ability to consume waste, dwarf white isopods are widely favored and used in bioactive setups, along with other isopods and springtails. Not only are they used as clean-up crews; they may also provide a food source for other terrarium animals, such as dart frogs and geckos.[4][better source needed]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "ITIS - Report: Trichorhina tomentosa". Itis.gov. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  2. ^ "Trichorhina tomentosa (Budde-Lund, 1893)". Gbif.org. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  3. ^ Cochard, Pierre-Olivier; Vilisics, Ferenc; Sechet, Emmanuel (2010). "Alien terrestrial crustaceans (Isopods and Amphipods). Chapter 7.1". Biorisk. 4: 81–96. doi:10.3897/biorisk.4.54.
  4. ^ a b "Dwarf White Isopod (Trichorhina tomentosa" (PDF). Crittersdiect.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 February 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2022.
  5. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-02-24. Retrieved 2020-09-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)